Little Falls transcript., 1887-03-11
md turning rode

Re md. turning strode
Minerva n Woodf ford tossed wakeful-
IL upon her pillow that night. Il was
the FIRST great trouble Of her life. First
troubles are SO bitter.
Every thing required TO her every
thing that Miss Perkins had told her:
concerning Mrs. Darrell. The widow
was young and pretty. Why should
Jason care for hor? She had come
from the city and was bright with city
ways and city talk. She seemed to
have money in abundance. Oh, it was
cruel! The whole thing was cruel.
Minerva fell asleep only towards the
dawn. She rose pale ard heavy-eyed
for the morning, yet strong in the in
tention Of concealing her grief.
The summer day dragged heavily
toward noon, more heavily after.
Time was so long. SO long. It seemed
century since Miss Perkins had been
there with her tale of Jason Hawkes.
devotion to the young widow. But the
dream was over. 1t was Minerva's
task to forget their plighted VOWS, to
forget the handsome face that had
been SO dear to her.
Probably he would leave the village
when he married the widow.
Minerva's eyes grew dim; she felt a
choking sensation and stepped to the
open door, hoping the soft summer
breeze would cool her hot forehead.
AS she stood there she suddenly
heard a sharp cry Of distress, then
something tore pastin the road, beat
ing up the yellow dust in binding
clouds.
"a runaway" she said, and her
heart seemed to stop beating for an
instant.
She ran down the path and out into
the road. The horses had dashed on,
but something of a. wreck was percep-
tible short distance off.
Minerva thought she could see some
one lying by the roadside. She ran
toward it at her utmost speed.
"Oh, Jason, Jason!" she moaned,
bending down over him.
Not dead, thank heaven, only
stunned, perhaps. She raised his
head loosened his collar and asked
herself what next.
Turning for momant she looked
back down the road and saw some
one going in at her own gate. 1t was
a woman She flew back towards
home to ask help OF whomsoever IT
might be-.
It was Mrs. Darrell. She was very
pale, and addressed the girl very anx-
iously.
'sIm afraid an accident has hap
pened Mr.. Hawkes.. His team ran
away"
HE is lying in the road uncon-
scious," Minerva interrupted. "Will
you help me some way to-
''Let us go quickly" said the other.
And so they had not lost an in
stant.
Jason had come to himself.
BADLY shaken up, that's ALL" he
leaning on their. arms limped back to
Minerva's home.
Minerva drew up the armchair in the
sitt:ng-room, and left him there with
Mrs. Darrell. going herself into the
kitchen to make cooling drink for
her guests, perforce.
Through the open door between the
rooms she could hear Jason's voice
gloomy and disturbed.
Good thing, perhaps, if / had been
killed. Wouldn't have cared much."
"Oh, but you shouldn't say that"
the soft voice OF Mrs. Darrell replied.
"You ought to care. Things may
come right, you know"
Minerva's heart seemed to twist up
within her in q sndden jealous frenzy.
She could fancy just how the Widows
dark, soft eyes were gazing into his;
just how her white and graceful hand
lay on his arm.
Yes, things might come right. But
why should Jason speak gloomy?
she had given him his freedom.
The hand which she offered him the
glass OF lemonade shook perceptibly.
Did Jason observe it?
II am going away tomorrow, Miss
Woodford," he said rather stiff1y.
"Perhaps l may carry your good
wishes with me. I greatly regret hav-
ing made you this trouble"
The widow had slipped out on the
porch.
1T is no trouble whatever, Mr..
Hawkes." replied Minerva.
"Miss Woodford," said a soft,
smooth voice from out among the
roses, 'won't you please come out
here moment?"
Minerva obeyed.
The widow came near the girl and
laid her gentle hand on her arm.
II have heard so much of you,"
she said; in low tore. II feel as If
we might be friends. Ihave been try
ing to come and see you for so long; I
was on my way this morning. I'm
afraid you feel unkindly towards poor
Jason. Please, please don't feel so.
He has not been to blame"
Minerals heart was boiling within
her. She answered with an effort.
II was not aware ot'my unkind feel
,ngs. It can interest you very little
how feel" .E&
"Oh, but pardon me. It interests
me exceedingly" e.
"Oh!" said Minerva, with sudddn
sarcasm. ITO be sure. I forgot.
Will you permit me to congratulate
Mr.. Hawkes?" -. '.. =
Mrs. Darrell looked perplexed. ~.
Congratulate? for what?''
."upon his engagement to you" said
Minerva with little grasp. 1.
= ou-foolish-child. Who put such
nonsense in your head?" Mrs. Dar-
rell was actually Laughing. "Did you
fancy-why, child, I am six years old
er than he. Besides, am to marry
his cousin Frank, who is in Europe
now. | thought he had told you.
There, now, run in to him and make
1tan up, I'm off for the present. But